Insights - May/June 2018 - 25

Consulting, also stressed awareness, while identifying the
industry's role in that process.
"The key is how we as an industry make intermodal better
known to students," Hertwig said. "The students I've talked
with in many cases don't know how important logistics is as
part of the supply chain as well as the role intermodal plays.
The intermodal industry provides numerous [job] opportunities
working for carriers, intermediaries, suppliers or beneficial cargo
owners."
Experts identified a wide variety of factors, both in the
classroom and elsewhere, which are important in developing
a student's skills that are needed to take full advantage of
opportunities in the intermodal industry.
"At Georgia Southern, students are better prepared when
they study principles that are vital to the industry and experience learning in the field via internships, co-ops or other industry
and academic events," said Jerry Burke, professor of operations
management.

"Practical experience is of great value,
but in many cases, hiring students just
out of school allows a company to
train them their way."
- James Hertwig, principal consultant, Hertwig
Transportation Consulting

These universities in Georgia and Wisconsin also stress the
roundtable approach, which brings dozens of industry executives
to campus to interact with students and educators about career
opportunities and the steps needed to become successful.
"This helps to convince students that a career in intermodal
can be a great choice," Burke said.

Classroom Learning Builds Skills
Charlie Saffro, founder of search firm CS Recruiting, underscored the importance of the classroom component.
"While hands-on experience is always the best way to learn,
the computer and math skills from the classroom are invaluable
for any career in logistics," she told Insights. "Intermodal
transportation tends to require more planning and problem
solving and thus math skills translate well. Computer skills
are essential for any office job and there has been a shifting
focus on technology to create intermodal efficiencies so it's
increasingly important to be tech savvy."
Stewart and others stressed the value of practical
experience and exposure to the freight industry.
"Nothing compares to seeing the system in action," he
said. "Students can get an introduction to the system through
textbooks and resources, such as video clips. Often students
don't understand the complexity of transportation, especially
intermodal, until they see it."
Burke explained the value of internships from several
perspectives.
"Internships give employers an early look at potential hires
for career openings and often leads to subsequent job offers,"

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May/June 2018 | Intermodal Insights

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Insights - May/June 2018